In search of these Barcelona hidden gems solely the locals find out about? Or perhaps that not even locals don’t know?Searching for extra than simply ticking Sagrada Familia and Park Guell off your bucket checklist? That is it!
I lived in Barcelona for five superb years, so actually, I’m well past the vacationer sights by now.
I sigh on the crowds in Sagrada Familia, can’t be bothered to see drunken vacationers in Barceloneta, and I am going out of my method to keep away from Las Ramblas. Barcelona is SO way more than this!
Happily, there are nonetheless hidden gems and distinctive issues to do that permit to peek into native way of life. It was solely once I began exploring these extra genuine spots that I began to like this metropolis and turn into a real Barcelover. 💖
Hidden gems to go to in Barcelona, Spain 💠
I’m now glad to share a few of my favourite native spots and hidden gems in Barcelona, together with monasteries, parks, museums, bars, and gardens. They’re all additionally on this map.
In the long run, I additionally share some recommendations on planning a Barcelona journey. 100% free suggestions right here!
Begin your resort search with this checklist of the highest-rated locations to remain in the most effective areas of Barcelona.
1Teatre Grec
Whereas everybody flocks to Montjuïc Fortress for its views, arguably a number of the most chilled and fascinating spots in Montjuïc aren’t well-known for guests. The most effective instance is Teatre Grec.
Nearly completely surrounded by nature, the chirping of the birds echo on this beautiful amphitheater. The place is a bit unkempt and tough across the edges, however for me simply provides it an additional allure. Lovely gardens to discover within the environment too. General that is one in every of my favourite locations to disconnect and browse a e book in Barcelona.
2El Jardí Bar
Tucked away within the densely populated Raval, El Jardí (The Backyard) is a hidden gem of a bar excellent for a relaxing out time. The environment are a library and tutorial establishment which look extra like a monastery which supplies it an much more distinctive vibe. There’s (actually) a backyard contained in the bar too!
I recommending coming right here just for a drink or two – sadly the meals could be a bit overrated and overpriced.
3Bunkers del Carmel
In all equity, this spot is now not a hidden gem and it’s now a hotspot for each locals and adventurous vacationers. In any case, it’s value it. Bunkers El Carmel – often known as Turo de La Rovira – is a set of deserted and distant anti-aircraft defenses with one of the vital scenic eyefuls of town.
The best time to go could be earlier than the solar even begins to rise with nearly nobody there, however let’s face it, that’s not prone to occur is it? Time your go to for the sundown as a substitute when the warmth dies down. Deliver a bottle of cava and create a memorable second.
Find out how to get to Bunkers del Carmel
The El Carmel space is comparatively distant. The simplest method is to get a taxi however if you wish to keep away from it, the buses 24, 92, 114, 119 and V17 will go away you fairly near the perspective. By metro, line 4 (Guinardo i Hospital de Sant Pau) or Line 5 (El Coll / La Teixonera) are possible choices, however bear in mind there’s nonetheless a major stroll uphill concerned.
4CosmoCaixa Museum
CosmoCaixa is a science museum within the outskirts of Barcelona downtown. Fairly frankly, I’m not an enormous fan of museums, however this one stunned me and it stays as the most effective I’ve been. It’s extremely interactive, enjoyable, and also you get to be taught rather a lot about science, biology, and know-how. The spotlight was the tropical rainforest field, with native species from the Amazon and actual and cute capybaras roaming round.
Each youngsters and grown-ups will like CosmoCaixa as a wet day plan though it can be a well-deserved break from the Spanish warmth throughout hotter months.
5Plaça Sant Felip Neri (Sant Felip Neri Sq.)
All through all districts of Barcelona you’ll doubtless discover plazas of many various kinds, vibes, and sizes. What I like about Plaça San Felipe Neri is that’s superbly secluded proper subsequent to the busiest streets of Gótic neighborhood. In entrance of hundreds of vacationer eyes each day, and but so many miss it.
This tiny and serene sq. boasts a fountain within the middle, an outdated church, and a major college however the dominating function is the wall lined in shrapnel holes from the Spanish civil conflict and 1938’s bombings. Though it has dwell proof of a merciless previous, oddly it could nonetheless a romantic and stress-free spot. The proper place to reenergize earlier than dealing with the crowds once more.
6Carretera de les Aigües
One in every of my favourite weekend actions is a stroll in Carretera de les Aigües. This 20-kilometer historical street snakes across the mountains overlooking Barcelona and has a number of the most unbelievable open views of town. Nearly no vacationers right here, simply locals biking, strolling their canines, or finishing their jogging session.
Probably the most direct method to get right here is to hop on the Funicular de Vallvidrera.
7Can Borrell
Can Borrell isn’t simply any restaurant. This large masiá (outdated rural property) within the coronary heart of Collserola is totally surrounded by nature and is a part of the weekends plans of many Catalan households.
To get right here, most individuals drive, however I believe the enjoyable method is to stroll all the way in which from Barcelona or from Sant Cugat. Lovely open views over Barcelona await you and belief me, you’ll wish to burn some energy earlier than or after you eat there. 🙂
For those who occur to be in Barcelona in winter time, don’t miss the calçots, one of the vital conventional experiences you’ll be able to have within the metropolis. E-book upfront!
8Parc de Laberint d’Horta (Horta’s Labyrinth Park)
Courting again to the 18th century and lately renovated, this park on the northern fringe of Barcelona is among the metropolis’s best-kept secrets and techniques. The primary function is a real-sized labyrinth with two-metre-high hedges that makes each youngsters and grown-ups go on somewhat journey.
Other than nearly mythological component, there’s extra to discover within the park, together with wonderful fountains and open-air busts scattered via the gardens.
9Antic Teatre
Picture credit: AnticTeatre.com
Barcelona is filled with terrazas however the factor is – and perhaps I’m too choosy right here – it’s onerous to seek out one that’s reasonably priced and nice. In truth, most terrazas within the metropolis are cramped proper subsequent to a busy avenue with site visitors (who desires that?!); or they’re loopy costly.
Antic Teatre ticks each containers for me. Tucked away in a facet avenue in Born district, there’s this tiny door which supplies entry to a stunning backyard bar. And identical to Alice getting into a parallel world, you in a vigorous, glad, and bohemian bar. Don’t count on luxurious – it even could also be a bit tough across the edges for some – however being in good firm surrounded by lush bushes, quaint backyards of native buildings, and intense laughter makes me very happy.
The place can also be a cultural middle and incessantly has exhibits of up-and-coming impartial artists and creatives which provides to the hipster ambiance. Oh and at last the drinks are low-cost (beer for two euros, vermut is barely 3).
10Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobrera (Cactus Backyard)
One other of Montjuïc’s hidden gems. Only a quick stroll from Miramar Lodge and the cable automotive station, these curious gardens haven’t any lush bushes or colourful flowers.
As an alternative, they boast an unbelievable number of succulents and cacti from desert and semi-desert areas of the world. The views over Barcelona’s port and downtown space as a backdrop are excellent. Extraordinarily underrated place!
11Gràcia’s plazas
Out of all of the neighborhoods in Barcelona, Gràcia is my favourite. I prefer it a lot I’ve written a full information about Grácia. It was an impartial municipality till the nineteenth century earlier than being annexed by Barcelona and someway their independence nonetheless exhibits because the vibe right here is completely from the remainder of town.
Delight your self with charming streets closed off to site visitors, bright-facade buildings, and hipster outlets promoting every thing from vegan cosmetics to sustainable clothes. It’s additionally the place to go hopping its stunning chilled plazas the place neighbors change the most recent gossip.
Order a cortado and see life go by in one in every of Grácia’s essential squares, like Plaça del Sol, Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia, or my private favourite Plaça de la Virreina.
12Monestir de Pedralbes (Pedralbes Monastery)
Situated in a leafy residential space northwest of Barcelona’s downtown, this Gothic monastery is among the metropolis’s best-hidden gems. This historic monument served as a house to the Poor Clare group who lived there for hundreds of years, since its basis on the 14th century.
Other than internet hosting non secular artwork displays, meditation programs, and different occasions, the true showstopper is the third-story cloister and interior gardens. Superb structure!
13Mirador Mediterráneo W
Now for one thing completely totally different. Good to high up your vitamin sea, this mirador is positioned proper subsequent to the biggest icon of contemporary structure in Barcelona: the sail-shaped W Lodge.
The uncrowded space is ideal for locals to go for jogging, rollerblading, skating, or just ponder the Mediterranean. Great spot for sundown too!
14Mercat de Santa Caterina (Santa Caterina Market)
Going to a market and admire the native produce, bustling ambiance, and scrumptious meals stalls is undoubtedly a should in Spain. That’s why I believe it’s a disgrace many come to Barcelona and simply go to La Boquería and its limitless touristy traps.
For those who remotely think about your self a foodie, ensure you discover different extra native markets. Mercat de Sant Caterina on the sting of Born district and its colourful wavy roof it’s already a greater choice. Learn extra about different markets in Barcelona right here.
15Casa Vicens
The work of Gaudí could be discovered in all places within the metropolis and Grácia isn’t any exception.
Park Guell , within the outskirts of the district, may be very busy within the paid Monumental Space however the surrounding free gardens could be stress-free. In Grácia, you can too discover the primary home he designed and that few individuals find out about. Courting again to 1889, Casa Vicens is a cultural heritage and museum and an awesome instance of his delicate and complicated structure.
Additional!
Lastly, only a small tip for an additional cool spot in Barcelona. It’s the small sq. the place the hero picture of this text is, tucked away within the hidden streets of Gótic. This pin on the map can assist you discover it!
The place to remain in Barcelona
Finest areas to remain in Barcelona
To begin with, I counsel AVOID staying at Raval (doubtlessly unsafe at night time) and Poble Sec (too many loud bars).
Now, the largest vacationer sights are in Eixample. For the most effective choices by way of logistics and in case you like to remain within the middle of the motion, Lodge Lleó is an effective choice.
Wonderful location, clear rooms, useful workers and a swimming pool within the terrace. What can go incorrect?
Poblenou (subsequent to the seaside, however removed from downtown) or Born (cool and hip district, doubtlessly loud at night time) can be good choices.
Finest native space to remain in Barcelona
Then again, in case you search a extra native vibe, I undoubtedly advocate staying in Grácia. See why right here. Wholesome native meals, cool indie outlets, and a quiet vibe away from vacationer crowds and loud bars await you. I like to recommend the beneath place.
Straightforward strolling distance to the streets and plazas in Grácia, but additionally to metro that take you to different areas. It even has a non-public backyard!
Inns & residences in Barcelona
You can begin your search with my shortlist of top-rated locations in Barcelona with WiFi.
Getting round Barcelona
Strolling is by far my favourite method of understanding a metropolis and Barcelona isn’t any exception. The districts of Eixample, Barceloneta, Raval, Gótic are all fairly flat which makes issues simpler.
Public transportation is top-notch, so until you intend on making a number of day journeys, renting a automotive in Barcelona gained’t be wanted in any respect. For a medium-sized metropolis, the quantity and frequency of metros, trains, trams and buses is outstanding.
There are every day passes for vacationers, however I strongly counsel getting a T-10 ticket. This ticket with 10 journeys will not be solely low-cost (somewhat over 10 EUR, 2019 costs) and provides you entry to buses, metro in addition to some trains too. The most effective half? This can be a multi-person ticket which means you’ll be able to share the pool of journeys with others.
Are there different Barcelona hidden gems you recognize?
Share your solutions beneath within the feedback! 👇